Supplements

Bodybuilding Protein Cycling for Massive Gains

Published

4 years ago

January 6, 2021

Paul

Mistakes, Protocol, Pros and Cons

There is no bodybuilding without protein. Protein cycling(PC) is a strategy where bodybuilders alternate between high, low, and average protein consumption. A high-protein diet is a secret to hardcore bodybuilding, but it will not help you maintain the perfect body; protein cycling does. Your body needs various kinds of proteins to grow and strengthen muscle naturally and from supplements. Protein cycling is based on measured protein consumption from considerable amounts of protein and different sources, generally within a two-week cycle.

However, high protein consumption, for a long time, has been found to induce anabolic resistance. Athletes such as bodybuilders must pay attention to how their body rehydrates, replenishes, and repairs after every exercise. That will help you adapt to training faster than usual and reduces the chances of getting fatigued. Additionally, skeletal muscles normally mass with aging.

Anabolic resistance refers to reduced muscle ability to stimulate protein synthesis. Aging comes with anabolic resistance even though feeding-induced simulation remains constant. However, some elements of feeding resistance affect their protein intake significantly for some people.

Helpful Facts in Protein Cycling

You should take one gram of protein per pound of body weight. Every fitness enthusiast must follow this religiously if they want to have an enviable body. Most fitness professionals have achieved a lot body-wise by ensuring their body is not short of proteins needed for MPS. Additionally, they can take only what will contribute to muscle growth without necessarily adding extra pounds of fat. If you weigh 250 pounds, you must take anywhere between 240 and 260 grams of protein daily.

Although this might be difficult to achieve due to many factors, it is important to ensure it is done four days a week. Otherwise, you might not complete the required muscle mass. Moreover, your exercise rate and intensity will dictate whether you need slightly more or less of the recommended amount. Elite bodybuilders, for example, can take up to 2 grams per pound of their body weight. If a bodybuilder wants to increase protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, they must take high-protein foods like beef, fish, chicken, etc.

Muscle Growth

Rapid muscle growth does not only stop at taking more protein. It involves taking them correctly and with carbs. Additionally, the diet must also include proper fat intake. The trick is to balance the three, not substituting one with the other. As mentioned earlier, taking too much or too little protein might not achieve the desired results as far as bodybuilding and fitness are concerned. It doesn’t matter whether your body is natural; only take the protein it can accommodate.

Also, people are wrong to assume that carbs are entirely bad and proteins are reasonable. As long as the balance is maintained, then you’re good to go. Fats, on the other hand, are a bit different. The fact about fats is that you will get fat if you take more fat, but the reverse is invalid. Depending on your routine, only take a certain amount of fat daily. For instance, you cannot take the same amount of fat when doing intensive exercises and light ones like just training your shoulders. You will need more energy to do deadlifts and other full-body routines; most of that energy comes from burning fat.

Protein Cycling Protocol

Excess fasting and protein cycling are undoubtedly the best way to slow down aging for bodybuilders. Additionally, there is growing evidence that protein cycling helps prevent cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. While the average human takes about 70 grams of protein daily, bodybuilders need about twice to maintain muscle mass. A typical bodybuilder protein cycling involves halving protein intake within the first five days and doubling it afterward. Depriving your body of proteins within the first five days enhances autophagy, which is your body's process of carrying out protein recycling.

Today's greatest bodybuilders have successfully stimulated more excellent protein retention through protein cycling. And that is precisely where the secret to their success lies. Unknown to many, protein cycling is not something easy to go about. The truth is that many people struggle to make this dream a reality, something that has dramatically affected their fitness careers. For bodybuilding newbies, we will show you the steps you can use for proper protein cycling.

Step 1: Reduce Protein Intake for the First 5 Days

For about five days, reduce the amount of protein you take considerably to maybe half the amount you used to take. However, it is recommended that you take not more than 1 gram of protein per 1 pound of body weight within those five days and see how your body responds to the change. It would help if you weren’t worried that you might shrink within those few days. No, it takes much longer for your muscle mass to show a significant reduction. However, be careful not to take too little protein during that period. You must not go below 0.5 grams per pound of body weight.

Although your body may change its metabolic rate to accommodate protein deficiency, there is a specific limit on how much change it can sustain. The resulting anti-catabolic effect from reduced protein metabolism has been found to enhance muscle growth. Regularly decreasing your protein intake induces muscle preservation in your body. At the same time, your muscles will be growing at almost the same rate as before. The result is increased muscle mass over a relatively short period.

Step 2: Increase Protein Intake After 5 Days

Up your protein intake after the first five days. Remember that the first step involved reducing protein consumption to induce enzymatic anti-catabolism. Once you switch gears in this second stage and start taking more protein, your body accumulates more protein and builds muscle. The enzymes that cause protein anti-catabolism will slow metabolism, while the protein consumption surge will enhance muscle growth. Bodybuilders with more than 200 pounds should start taking between 1.5 and 1.8 grams of protein per pound at this stage. You should increase the rate to 2 grams per pound daily for ten days if you’re on a two-week cycle. All this is geared towards helping the body achieve a hyper-anabolic state, highly enzymatic and ideal for muscle growth.

Must Read:: Best Diet Plan for Bodybuilders 2019

Protein Cycling Mistakes to Avoid

Protein cycling may not achieve your desired results if you don’t do some things right. Here are some protein cycling mistakes to avoid.

1. Taking More Than You Can Sustain

Some bodybuilders are impatient and want instant transformation. While bodybuilding is about gratification, be careful not to overwhelm your body with proteins. Most protein foods promise quick results with certain restrictions in terms of what amount to take and how to take it. It is very tempting to bypass such requirements and do everything you like. That is disadvantageous from many angles. One is that you may take in extra calories, which may not help you achieve the ideal muscle mass.

Gold Standard >> Buy It <<

Similarly, taking protein foods with meager calories and too many of them may experience painful weight loss. You are not supposed to lose more than the recommended weight as a bodybuilder because it might take longer to recover. Most people will generally gain their weight back after six months. That is a bit too long in professional bodybuilding and fitness. It would be best never to take in more protein than your body can sustain.

2. Changing Programs Frequently

You can only engage in beneficial protein cycling if you stick to one working program. Unfortunately, many bodybuilders may hop from one program to another, which is not advisable. The reason is that you may erase the gains you have made in the previous cycling program when you shift to a new one. Additionally, you may not get any results if you are not patient enough to finish the program. There is no other secret to getting results in protein cycling except patience and consistency with the chosen program. Even when losing confidence and motivation, stick to your schedule anyway. You will be surprised at how fast you will get the desired results when you stick to one plan. Note that changing programs involves reducing the amount of protein to take in grams per pound of body weight.

3. Setting Unrealistic Goals

Aiming high but not having expectations that exceed your abilities is okay. You may never achieve anything if you form a habit of coming up with unrealistic bodybuilding goals regarding protein cycling. If you want to increase muscle significantly within a short time, you may be forced to consume more proteins than recommended. You may not only fail to achieve your ‘goal’ but also jeopardize your entire bodybuilding career. Weight loss and muscle gain take time, and setting your expectations too high will only bring frustration. The reason is that you will always feel like you are not getting what you deserve, even though you put a lot of effort into it.

4. Losing Focus as Soon as You Begin a Nutrition Program

Protein cycling to lose a certain amount of fat or attain a particular lean muscle mass is no walk in the park. You have to drive yourself every day with unwavering discipline. That kind of consistency will give you the results you need. You may not achieve the results 100%, but you will get up to 90% with character. Whether you will maintain your focus to the end of the program depends on the nutrition program you choose. For this reason, it is essential that you only go for a sustainable program, as indicated in No. 1 above.

Related Article:: Top 10 best Immune Boosting Supplements to buy in 2020

Protein Cycling Pros and Cons

Protein cycling bodybuilding is not without immense benefits as well as drawbacks. While you may not realize all the advantages you need, you are assured that more than 50% gains, at least mentioned, don’t make your expectations so high because this process takes time. The following are some pros and cons associated with protein cycling.

Pro: Most protein foods are easy to find

Most bodybuilders have tight schedules and do not get the time to get protein foods not found in their locality. Luckily, most protein isolates are pretty accessible and convenient. Take the case of a milkshake, for example; it is virtually at arm’s length in your nearest store.

Con: Protein powder doesn’t contain all the nutrients you may need

Even if you get a convenient protein supplement, you may still be forced to look for other food nutrients not found in it. That cancels the convenience of finding something like a protein powder shake somehow.

Pro: Older bodybuilders benefit the most from protein cycling

It has been established that older bodybuilders benefit the most from protein cycling due to their bodies’ enhanced protein sustainability. Most of them engage in highly intensive training exercises that enable them to take between 1.6 to 2 grams per pound of body weight and get more results. On the other hand, young bodybuilders can only take 0.5 to 1.2 grams of proteins per pound to get the desired results. It is doubtful that young bodybuilders will get any additional benefits from taking more than 1.8 grams per pound.

Con: You don’t need only supplements for protein cycling

You can attain the recommended protein intake by taking ordinary high-protein foods such as fish, eggs, beef, Almonds, lentils, soy milk, and many more. That means you don’t necessarily have to take protein supplements to achieve lean muscle mass or weight loss.

Pro: Protein Powder is the perfect supplement for weight loss

As you may already know, protein powder is a highly concentrated protein source for bodybuilders looking to lose weight. Pro bodybuilding requires constant muscle mass, and taking protein powder in their cycles ensures they do not accumulate many calories at the expense of muscle.

Con: You will come across protein supplements with too much sugar and other additives

Without sugars and other additives, you may not stand the taste of most protein isolates. Although these substances improve the taste and make the supplements worth eating, they are unsuitable for bodybuilders. Unless you are ready to put up with the awful taste of protein supplements left on your mouth, supplements, sugars, and other additives will always be a part of your protein cycling diet.

Protein Cycling Side Effects

Protein cycling is a relatively new concept, and little research has been conducted. The process has been found to have specific side effects on bodybuilders. However, it is essential to note that side effects happen in every aspect of bodybuilding. It is somehow normal, so you shouldn’t freak out about experiencing some of them unless they become life-threatening. Here are some common side effects associated with protein cycling:

Thirst
Possible kidney damage and malfunction
Loss of appetite
Loss of muscle
Nausea
Increased bowel movements and cramps
Interference of the body’s nutrient absorption

List of Amazon Products for Protein Cycling

Conclusion

As stated in this Article's first sentence, protein is king in bodybuilding and is the main dietary factor for every athlete. However, it is how you take it that makes the difference. Protein cycling becomes a viable option when you feel like your body is no longer retaining as much protein as necessary for your bodybuilding purposes. Let no one lie that protein cycling only works for a particular group. Every bodybuilder can benefit from protein cycling if they follow the proper protocol.

Bodybuilders work longer and harder than most athletes, so they need the means. The means here means more significant muscles to sustain the intensive workouts. The bodybuilder can maintain good form throughout the season with protein cycling. Pro bodybuilders no longer follow the tradition of taking one gram per pound of their body weight. The reason is that the industry is increasingly becoming more competitive, and only the best make it to the top.

Overall

Protein cycling has enabled them to beat opponents to the title by eating as much as 2.5 grams per pound of protein. However, there is always a limit on how much protein a bodybuilder should consume. The limit depends on how much protein your body can sustain to help you reach your full potential. That means you must study your body to determine your protein intake limits.

Share on Social Media

Steroids

Tips on How to Store Peptides and HGH

Published

1 week ago

January 9, 2025

Sane

When peptides are mixed with bacteriostatic water (BAC water), their longevity is highly influenced by how they are stored. Correct storage is crucial, as improper conditions can compromise their quality and reduce their efficacy.

Explore: Hypertrophy Training Program

Key Storage Guidelines

Room Temperature: Peptides tend to degrade rapidly at room temperature, lasting only a few hours to a day. It's best to use them immediately in this condition.

Refrigeration (2-8°C): When stored in a refrigerator, peptides mixed with BAC water can remain stable for 2-4 weeks. However, some peptides may degrade more quickly than others, so limiting storage to around two weeks is safest.

Freezing (-20°C or lower): For prolonged storage, freezing is the best option, maintaining peptide stability for several months. It is important to avoid multiple cycles of thawing and refreezing, as this can degrade the peptides.

It's important to note that storage guidelines can differ depending on the specific peptide, so always check for the particular recommendations to ensure maximum longevity and effectiveness.

NOTE: Peptides reconstituted with Sterile Water only remain potent for 2-3 days, even under ideal storage conditions. This is because sterile water lacks the antibacterial properties of BAC water, leading to faster bacterial growth and peptide degradation.

Finding Containers to Store Peptides and HGH

You can find containers for storing peptides and HGH at various online retailers and specialty stores. Here are a few options:

Edge Peptides: They offer a range of storage containers suitable for peptides, including glass and high-quality plastic vials.

Peptide Sciences: This site provides information on peptide storage and offers appropriate containers.

Muscle and Brawn: They have guidelines on peptide storage and sell containers designed for this purpose.

Make sure to choose containers that are chemically inert, such as glass or high-quality plastic, to avoid any reactions with the peptides. Additionally, ensure the containers are tightly sealed to prevent contamination and degradation.

What Would Be the Best Peptides and HGH for Beginners?

For beginner bodybuilders and athletes, it's important to start with safe and effective options. Here are some of the best peptides and human growth hormone (HGH) supplements:

Peptides for Muscle Growth

Ipamorelin: Stimulates growth hormone production, aiding muscle growth and fat loss.

CJC-1295: Enhances growth hormone release, promoting muscle growth and improving sleep quality.

Hexarelin: Stimulates growth hormone release, aiding muscle gain and cardiovascular health.

Sermorelin: Increases growth hormone production, beneficial for muscle growth.

GHRP-6: Stimulates growth hormone release, increasing energy levels and aiding muscle growth.

HGH Supplements

CrazyBulk HGH-X2: Boosts HGH production, increases energy levels, and helps build muscle mass.

HyperGH 14x: Promotes muscle growth and improves performance.

GenF20 Plus: Maintains optimal HGH levels, aiding in muscle growth and anti-aging.

PGH-1000: Enhances strength and stamina.

Sytropin: Supports physical fitness, anti-aging, and andropause.

Summary

Storing peptides and human growth hormone (HGH) properly is crucial for maintaining their effectiveness and ensuring safety. Peptides should ideally be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8°C for up to 2-4 weeks when mixed with bacteriostatic water, while freezing them at -20°C or lower extends their stability for several months, but avoid thawing and refreezing. When reconstituting peptides, use bacteriostatic water instead of sterile water to maintain potency for a longer duration (2-4 weeks versus 2-3 days). Use chemically inert containers, like glass or high-quality plastic vials, and ensure they are tightly sealed. Maintain sterility during reconstitution and storage to prevent bacterial contamination.

Use reconstituted peptides as soon as possible to avoid degradation in solution. Popular peptides for muscle growth include Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Hexarelin, Sermorelin, and GHRP-6, while CrazyBulk HGH-X2 is a common supplement to boost HGH production. Always check the specific storage recommendations for each peptide, as they can vary.

Remember, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

Must Read: Targeted Training for Individual Muscle Groups

Share on Social Media

Steroids

Mushroom Chitosan for Skin Care: A Plant-Based Option for Skincare

Published

4 weeks ago

December 23, 2024

Sane

Mushroom chitosan is a prominent ingredient in the skincare industry, celebrated for its compatibility with skin, moisturizing properties, and its role in wound healing and skin regeneration. Extracted from the cell walls of specific mushrooms, this eco-friendly, plant-based alternative to traditional chitosan (which is typically derived from shellfish) has recently gained considerable attention. It is swiftly becoming a favored ingredient in products designed to enhance skin texture, reduce inflammation, and improve moisture retention. This article delves into the science behind mushroom chitosan, its skin benefits, and how it compares to other popular ingredients.

Chitosan Overview

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide traditionally obtained from the exoskeletons of shellfish like shrimp and crabs. However, mushroom chitosan, derived from fungi such as Aspergillus niger and Agaricus bisporus, offers a plant-based, vegan-friendly alternative. It provides similar benefits without the allergens or ethical concerns associated with animal-derived ingredients.

What It Does

Mushroom chitosan exhibits excellent biocompatibility, meaning it works well with human skin without causing irritation or allergic reactions. It is also biodegradable and sustainable, making it a particularly appealing option for eco-conscious consumers.

Mushroom chitosan forms a protective film on the skin’s surface, which helps retain moisture and shields the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and harmful bacteria. This barrier function also enhances the skin’s ability to retain water, making it especially beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin.

Chitosan Magic

Additionally, chitosan has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent and treat skin infections. It promotes wound healing by accelerating the regeneration of skin cells, making it useful for post-inflammatory conditions like acne scars or minor cuts. Here is a summary of the main benefits of using mushroom chitosan:

Enhanced Hydration

Mushroom chitosan’s film-forming ability helps lock in moisture, maintaining the skin’s hydration levels. This is especially beneficial for dry, dehydrated skin or for maintaining a healthy moisture barrier.

Anti-inflammatory

Chitosan has been shown to reduce inflammation, which can soothe irritated or red skin. This makes it effective for people dealing with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.

Chitosan Wound Healing and Skin Repair

Studies have shown that chitosan accelerates the skin’s natural healing process, making it a valuable ingredient for wound care and the recovery of damaged skin. It supports the regeneration of healthy skin cells, which can help minimize scarring and promote overall skin health.

Chitosan Antimicrobial Properties

Its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi can help reduce breakouts and skin infections, providing a natural solution for acne-prone skin.

Anti-aging Benefits

Mushroom chitosan supports the skin’s elasticity and firmness by maintaining moisture levels and protecting it from oxidative stress, making it an effective anti-aging ingredient. By reducing the appearance of fine lines and improving texture, it contributes to a smoother, youthful complexion.

Related Article: Why A Newbie Must Use Electrolytes

Let's Compare it With Traditional Skin Products

Hyaluronic Acid: Mushroom chitosan and hyaluronic acid are both excellent for retaining moisture in the skin. However, chitosan also offers antimicrobial and wound-healing benefits, making it a multifunctional ingredient.

Collagen: Both ingredients aim to improve skin texture and elasticity. While collagen helps firm and plump the skin, mushroom chitosan focuses on moisture retention, repair, and protective qualities, offering a more comprehensive approach to skincare.

Traditional Chitosan: Mushroom chitosan has an edge over traditional shellfish-derived chitosan as it is plant-based and hypoallergenic. People with shellfish allergies can use it safely, and it’s also suitable for vegans and those seeking sustainable skincare options.

Main Products Containing Mushroom Chitosan

Moisturizers and Serums: As a potent humectant, mushroom chitosan is increasingly used in moisturizing products to boost skin hydration, enhancing the skin’s natural barrier.

Acne Treatments: Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, mushroom chitosan is an excellent ingredient in acne-fighting formulas, reducing bacterial growth while calming inflamed skin.

Wound Healing Creams: Given its regenerative abilities, mushroom chitosan is often included in creams designed to speed up wound healing or reduce scarring, especially for acne-prone skin or post-skin procedures.

Anti-aging Products: Mushroom chitosan’s ability to retain moisture and support the skin’s elasticity makes it a key ingredient in anti-aging serums and creams, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Overall

Mushroom chitosan is an exciting, versatile ingredient in skincare that addresses multiple concerns, from hydration and inflammation to skin repair and protection. As a vegan-friendly, eco-conscious alternative to traditional chitosan, it offers a sustainable and effective solution for enhancing skin health. With its broad range of benefits and gentle nature, mushroom chitosan is poised to become a staple in modern skincare.

Share on Social Media

Steroids

Glutathione – The Most Underrated Antioxidant

Published

1 month ago

December 10, 2024

Sane

Glutathione, often referred to as the "Master Antioxidant," plays a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals and maintaining cellular health, making it an excellent supplement for bodybuilders across all age groups. Its ability to support liver detoxification, reduce inflammation, and enhance immune function is particularly beneficial for those undergoing intense training or using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Must Read: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone

As mentioned, it is a potent antioxidant that the body produces naturally. It plays a key role in detoxification, immune function, and maintaining cellular health.

How Can It Help You?

Glutathione neutralizes harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and shielding cells from damage. This is especially critical for individuals using anabolic steroids or other PEDs, as these substances can increase oxidative stress, burden the liver, and hinder recovery.

Key Benefits of Glutathione Include

Liver Detoxification: Aids the liver in processing toxins, particularly those introduced by PED use.
Reduced Inflammation: Helps mitigate systemic inflammation, enhancing recovery and lowering injury risk.
Enhanced Immunity: Bolsters the immune system, keeping you healthier during intense training cycles.

Additionally, it supports skin health, reduces signs of fatigue, and promotes a general sense of well-being, making it invaluable for athletes focused on both performance and longevity.

How Is It Used?

Glutathione can be taken orally (in liposomal or reduced forms) or via injections for better bioavailability. A typical dose is 500–1000 mg daily if taken orally, or the same amount once a week if injected.

Are There Side Effects?

The hormone is usually well-tolerated. Rare side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or skin rashes, but these are uncommon. Injected glutathione is considered safe when properly administered.

Alternatives to Glutathione

There are several alternatives to glutathione that can help support your body's antioxidant defenses and overall health:

Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals and can also help regenerate glutathione in the body.

Vitamin E: Another potent antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC): A precursor to glutathione, NAC can help boost the levels in the body.

Selenium: This trace mineral works synergistically with glutathione to enhance its antioxidant effects.

Milk Thistle: Known for its liver-protective properties, milk thistle can help support glutathione production.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): This antioxidant helps regenerate other antioxidants, including glutathione, and can improve overall antioxidant capacity.

Curcumin: Found in turmeric, curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Green Tea Extract: Rich in catechins, green tea extract provides powerful antioxidant benefits.

These alternatives can help maintain your body's antioxidant defenses and support overall health.

Legality of Glutathione Across Different Countries and Territories

The legality of glutathione supplements varies across different countries and territories. Here's a general overview:

United States

Glutathione supplements are widely available and legal in the U.S. They are regulated by the FDA under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 19942. The FDA requires that supplements be labeled accurately and that they are safe for consumption.

Canada

In Canada, glutathione supplements are also legal and regulated by Health Canada. They must meet the Natural Health Products Regulations, ensuring safety, efficacy, and quality.

European Union

Glutathione supplements are legal in the EU and are regulated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). They must comply with the EU's Novel Food Regulation if they are marketed as a new food product.

Australia

In Australia, glutathione supplements are legal and regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They must be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) to be legally sold.

Japan

Its supplements are legal in Japan and are regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW). They must be approved as dietary supplements.

India

In India, glutathione supplements are legal and regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). They must comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.

Other Countries

The legality of glutathione supplements can vary in other countries, and it's essential to check local regulations before purchasing or using them. Some countries may have stricter regulations or require specific approvals for dietary supplements.

Don't Miss: How to Manage Joint Stiffness While on AAS

It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or regulatory authority in your specific country to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations on the use of Glutathione.

Overall

By mitigating oxidative stress, glutathione helps in faster recovery, reducing injury risks, and promoting overall well-being. Additionally, its role in boosting skin health and combating fatigue adds to its appeal, contributing to both performance and longevity. However, it is essential for users to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any supplement regimen to ensure safety and efficacy, as individual needs and responses can vary. Glutathione's multifaceted benefits make it a valuable tool in the arsenal of bodybuilders aiming to optimize their health and performance.

Share on Social Media